Bangkok: The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed the results of pressure and condemnation, with Cambodia showing a more relaxed and cooperative stance, but still refusing to lay mines. He explained that Thailand did not reject AOT observers but was concerned about Thai legal limitations, pointing out that IoT observers can still improve their efficiency.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rasme Chalichan, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke to the Thai media in English to clarify the Thai government’s actions to the international community, particularly the protests by the government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and military against Cambodia’s anti-personnel mine-laying, which violates Thai sovereignty, the Ottawa Convention, the ceasefire agreement, and international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has led diplomatic missions to the area twice to verify the facts and provide empirical evidence regarding Cambodia’s actions. They also attempt to highlight the violation of human rights, not just a security or military issue between Thailand and Cambodia, but a common humanitarian threat that requires collective action.
The latest report states that Cambodia has shown a more relaxed attitude towards cooperation in demining, although it still denies that Cambodia has laid new mines. However, it will conduct a joint survey with Thailand to identify urgent areas along the border where anti-personnel mines should be cleared.
Regarding the Interim Observer Team (IOT) initiative and the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) proposal, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed that Thailand welcomes both proposals, but it is important to understand the key differences between the two formats. For the IOT, the observer team will consist of military attaches from ASEAN member states already stationed in Thailand and Cambodia, allowing for immediate on-site visits and implementation of observation missions.
As for AOT, observers and military personnel will have to be sent from the capitals of member countries to carry out the operation. Under Thai law, this process must be considered according to the various legal procedures first, which will result in delays in the on-site visit.
In principle, Thailand supports both the IoT and AOT concepts, but careful discussion is required to clearly define the format and scope of joint operations. Crucially, this mechanism must be able to act quickly and effectively, responding to the ceasefire agreement’s missions in a timely and effective manner. AOT can also be further refined. Any improvements to the IoT should be discussed within the GBC mechanism, as the IoT is an agreement between the two countries, with Malaysia as a witness. Any changes must be approved by the GBC meetings of both countries.